DIY Divorce – Why not to use online services
I have recently started to file for divorce and whilst I was trying to take my time, ensure I had the right forms and documentation my wife has been trying to push me through the process faster than I wanted referring me to online divorce services such as Divorce UK. Whilst these appear good and cheap at first class it is another case of “read the small print”.
Online divorce services like Divorce UK want you to part with your hard earned cash (in this case £35) to be provided with nothing more than the divorce application form and guidance sheets which are available free of charge from the Scottish Courts Website. They do not provide any support or assistance with filling out these forms, do not take responsibility to ensure you are ordering the right forms and do not inform you that you still have to pay the court fees (at the time of writing this the court fees for a DIY Divorce is £90). Online divorce services such as these are more than happy to put the low £35 value in big letters and highlighted to play on the fact that you will think this is cheap and not realise that this does not include the court costs.
My recommendation to anyone looking to do a DIY divorce would to be contact someone at your local Citizens Advice Bureau as they can provide you with all the necessary forms, advice and guidance for free. You will still have to pay the court fees but at least this way you are not being conned out of your money for something that is free in the first place, and you can feel more confortable as you can ask questions and ensure everything is done right.
Related Information about DIY Divorce Applications
Citizens Advice Bureau – Free advice on a range of topics including divorce.
Divorce UK – Order DIY Divorce Forms Online.
Scottish Courts Website – Free Download of DIY Divorce Forms and Guidance sheets.